[2025 Istanbul Attraction] Travel Guide for Basilica Cistern (Updated May)

Basilica Cistern Basic Information: [9:30]- Opening hours: 9:00-22:00, closed to tourists from 18:30-19:30 [10:00] [Purse]- Ticket price: about 600 liras, prices may fluctuate. [RoundNails]- Location: Located in Istanbul's Fatih district, Sultanahmet district, diagonally opposite Hagia Sophia. Preliminary preparation: [Kimono]- Clothing: It is quite cold inside the underground water palace, so you need to prepare a thin coat even in summer. [Purse]- Tickets: Tickets for visits between 09:00-18:30 can be purchased at the ticket office or through Passo online; tickets for visits between 19:30-23:50 can only be purchased at the ticket office of the Basilica Cistern. [Trunk]- Other items: You can bring cameras and other equipment to record the beautiful scenery, but be careful to keep your personal belongings safe. The Shuigong plank road is hollowed out to prevent items from falling. [ShoppingBag] [Station] Transportation Guide: [Bus]- Public transportation: Take tram T1 and get off at Sultanahmet Station. [TaxiFront] is within walking distance. [CarFront]- Driving or taking a taxi: If you choose to drive or take a taxi, be aware of Istanbul's traffic congestion, especially during peak hours [Car] Tour tips: [One]- Tour route: Walking along the trail, the first thing that comes into view is the neatly arranged huge stone pillars, and you can admire the exquisite carvings. Walk to the middle of the underground water palace and find the Tear Column. Continue to the depths of the palace and you will see two stone sculptures of Medusa's heads [YesSir][YesSir] [Two]- Photo Tips: You can use stone pillars, Medusa's head, water reflections and other elements to compose the picture, with red lights as the background, to take photos with a mysterious atmosphere. When taking photos of people, you can choose to take photos next to a stone pillar or in front of the head of Medusa, and use light and shadow to highlight the person. [Awesome][Awesome] [Three]- Notes: Do not touch the stone pillars, Medusa's head and other cultural relics; follow the regulations of the scenic area and do not stay or climb in non-designated areas; because the ground is wet, be careful not to slip when walking [Loupe][Loupe] Surrounding attractions and food: [Hotel]- Surrounding attractions: You can visit famous attractions such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, etc. 🥩- Food recommendation: Taste Turkish kebab, Turkish flatbread, baklava, Turkish ice cream and other specialties🍧

Istanbul is a city with a long history and rich culture. Here's a travel guide to help you have a wonderful trip: Attractions - Hagia Sophia: Located in the old European quarter, it is a model of Byzantine architecture and one of Istanbul's landmarks. It has a long history, originally a Christian church, later converted into a mosque, and now a museum. - Blue Mosque: Another landmark of Istanbul, it is the only mosque in the world with six minarets. It is famous for its Iznik indigo tiles. - Basilica Cistern: Located near the Hagia Sophia, it is an underground reservoir from the Byzantine period, featuring stone columns, lights, and Medusa statues. It was also a filming location for *The Da Vinci Code*. - Bosphorus Strait: A strategic point connecting Europe and Asia, it is the narrowest international navigable strait in the world. You can take a ferry or cruise to tour the strait and enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides. Food - Turkish Kebabs: One of Türkiye's traditional delicacies. You can choose from lamb, chicken, and other varieties, served with French fries and vegetable salad. - Turkish Pizza: A thin-crust pizza that can be topped with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, and cheese. - Turkish Ice Cream: A rich, sweet, and delicious ice cream with various flavors and toppings. - Baklava: One of Türkiye's traditional desserts, made from thin pastry, nuts, and honey. Accommodation - Sultanahmet District: Located in the old European quarter, it is the historical center of Istanbul, with many famous attractions such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. - Beyoğlu District: Located in the new European quarter, it is the commercial center of Istanbul, with many shopping malls, restaurants, and bars. Istiklal Street is the main street in this district, known as the "Champs-Élysées of Istanbul". - Kadıköy District: Located in the Asian quarter, it is a vibrant commercial area with many restaurants, cafes, and bars. The Kadıköy pier is one of the main ferry terminals to the European quarter. Transportation - Public Transportation: Istanbul's public transportation system includes subways, buses, ferries, and trams. You can purchase an IstanbulKart for convenient travel. - Taxis: Taxis in Istanbul are relatively inexpensive, but be sure to choose a reputable taxi company to avoid being overcharged. - Car Rentals: If you want to travel freely, you can choose to rent a car, but pay attention to local traffic rules and road conditions. Important Notes - Religion: Türkiye is a Muslim country. When entering a mosque, pay attention to your attire. Women need to cover their hair with a headscarf, and men need to wear long pants. - Safety: Istanbul is a relatively safe city, but be aware of theft and scams in tourist attractions and crowded areas. - Shopping: When shopping in Istanbul, pay attention to price and quality to avoid buying counterfeit goods. You can try bargaining in places like the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market. - Time Difference: Istanbul has a 5-hour time difference from China. Remember to adjust your time accordingly.

Ladies and Gentlemen, here comes the guide for a four-day trip to Türkiye! Super practical tips to help you easily enjoy romantic Türkiye, come and have a look now! . Türkiye, a treasure land spanning Europe and Asia🌍, has a long history and unique culture🏛️. There are both ancient ruins and charming coastlines here🏖️, no wonder people call it the cradle of civilization and a romantic paradise! . Tour route: D1: 🚶‍♀️Explore the Old Town of Istanbul Immerse yourself in Istanbul's history and soak up the city's ancient charm. D2: 🌊Basilica Cistern -> Dolmabahce Palace -> Bosphorus Cruise -> Strolling along Independence Avenue -> Galata Tower Climb From the mysterious Basilica Cistern to the luxurious Dolmabahçe Palace, take a boat tour of the Bosphorus, stroll along the bustling Independence Street, and then climb the Galata Tower to overlook the beautiful city. D3: 🎈Cappadocia hot air balloon tour -> Goreme Open Air Museum exploration -> Travel through the wonders of Cappadocia -> Explore the fairy chimneys Take a hot air balloon to overlook the magical scenery of Cappadocia, visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, explore the unique landforms of Cappadocia, and finally visit the mysterious fairy chimneys. D4: 🌄Goreme Panorama -> Stroll around Goreme Town Admire the panoramic views at Goreme Panorama, then stroll through the town of Goreme and experience the tranquility and charm of this small town. 🔚Ended a pleasant trip to Türkiye and returned home with full of memories! . Travel preparation: 🧳 📞 Prepare a phone card to facilitate communication and avoid losing contact. 🔌 The plug converter is the key, it gives you peace of mind when you don’t have to worry about charging. 📜 Make sure to bring all your documents, including your visa and passport. 👗 Clothes should be chosen according to the climate, warmth and lightness are both important. 🔋 Don’t forget your charger, your phone will be more enjoyable if it has power. . Türkiye, a country full of mystery and romance, is waiting for you to explore! Don’t forget to like + collect and share with more travel partners~

7/9-day tour in Türkiye, 12-day tour in Türkiye + Greece, don’t travel cheaply or extravagantly, make a plan in advance, Türkiye is not as expensive as you think! : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

#Indoor Activities The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) is one of Istanbul's popular attractions. It means "the palace that sinks into the ground". Sharp-eyed people should have noticed that this is the place where the bomb was defuse at the end of the movie "Angels and Demons". Yes, you guessed it right👍 This huge palace hidden underground was originally built by the Byzantine emperor to store a large amount of water. It was a reservoir for the palace and the citizens of Istanbul. It was rediscovered in the 16th century after being abandoned for many years. The most unmissable thing is the sealed head of the witch Medusa! On the bases of the two pillars of the Water Palace, there are two stones with Medusa's head carved on them, one upside down and the other lying horizontally, "suppressed" in different directions. There is a legend that they were afraid that future generations would turn into stone if they looked into the eyes of Medusa, so they turned their heads over and pressed them with stone pillars, making this underground water palace more mysterious. The Underground Water Palace is really beautiful and cool, recommended❤️ 🎯 Underground Water Palace (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) 9:00-23:50 The historical core area of ​​the old city of Istanbul, just opposite the Hagia Sophia, take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet Station and walk for 5 minutes to arrive #Turkey Travel #100 Ways to Travel #Must-Go in Turkey #Underground Water Palace #Movie Location #Movie Scene

It really resembles the scenes from some video games, or rather, many game scene designs are inspired by it. Just looking at it can remind you of certain levels. As for the history, it's true that you need to do some homework before going, or patiently read the on-site introductions (which mainly talk about Turkish hydraulic engineering). Many people don't think highly of it, finding it boring and not worth the ticket price, but if you're interested in the history of Istanbul, or if you like playing games and reading novels, the cistern is definitely worth a look. Here's a bit of history: The Basilica Cistern, known in Turkish as Yerebatan Sarnıcı, which means 'Subterranean Cathedral', was one of the sources of drinking water for the citizens of Istanbul 1500 years ago. It was built beneath a basilica, hence its name, initially constructed by Emperor Constantine and rebuilt and expanded by Emperor Justinian after the Nika riots of 532. Historical records indicate that 7,000 slaves were involved in the construction of the cistern. The expansion of the cistern provided a filtration system for Constantinople and other buildings on the First Hill, and continued to supply water to the Topkapi Palace after the Ottoman conquest in 1453 until modern times. During the Ottoman rule, it was renovated twice, once by architect Mehmet Aga under the command of Ahmet Sultan III in 1723. Another major renovation was completed during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II (1876-1909) in the 19th century. In the Republican period, it was renovated again between 1985-1987, with 50,000 tons of mud used to fill the walkways and platforms, and it was opened for local and foreign visitors to explore. It underwent another cleaning and renovation in May 1994. The ceiling is supported by 336 marble columns, arranged in 12 rows of 28, each 9 meters high and spaced 4.8 meters apart. The roof is supported by the columns through arches that distribute the weight. Of these, 98 are in the Corinthian style, while the rest are in the Doric style.

Most of the attractions in Istanbul are very concentrated, and this underground water palace is no exception, just across the road from the two most famous mosques, see the big line at the door that is the entrance! Although it is a paid attraction, but we are very interested in the underground reservoir used to store water, is a must-see attraction 🥰 can walk along, there will be different lighting effects, orange time to take pictures will be the best, because the underground reservoir is darker orange is the lightest time 🧡 full of historical stone pillars, plus mysterious lighting, very special! I want to go to Italy in 2024🇮🇹 #2024TravelWish #OverseasTravel

📍Basilica Cistern The Underground Cistern is located in the Sultanahmet district of the old city, which is home to many tourist attractions in Istanbul! It's easily accessible from the center of Istanbul⭕️ This time, I went to the Basilica Cistern, which is also known as the Underground Cistern, one of the tourist attractions in Istanbul^_^ The fantastic and unique atmosphere is captivating🫶 This is a recommended spot to visit when you go to Istanbul✨ Tickets on the day are extremely crowded, so please purchase your tickets in advance⚠️ #Istanbul #Turkey

The Basilica Cistern, commonly known as the Underground Cistern, is a large water tank from the Eastern Roman Empire located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is called Yerebatan Sarnıcı, which means "underground reservoir". ⭐︎Location The Basilica Cistern is located in the Sultanahmet district (old town) on the European side of Istanbul, west of Hagia Sophia and north of the Blue Mosque, and is within walking distance of both spots. ⭐︎Duration 30 minutes to 1 hour ⭐︎Price 30TL, subject to change #Turkey #Istanbul

Istanbul Attractions: Basilica Cistern Yerebatan Sarnici Ancient underground cistern Must-see attractions❣️ Entrance fee: 190 TL/person Basilica Cistern - A very popular historical tourist attraction in Istanbul😆Please remember to reserve some time to queue up (about 15 minutes). The Basilica Cistern covers an area of ​​about 9,800 square meters. It is recommended to reserve one to two hours to slowly visit and take photos😇 Transportation: The location of the attraction is very convenient. The entrance is just a few minutes’ walk from Sultanahmet Station on Line T1 👉🏻The venue is equipped with various lighting projections & artworks. Even if you take photos at the same location at different times, each one has its own characteristics✨ Figure 1 2 3: Photos taken inside the palace Figure 4: The tree of life projection changes over time, showing the blooming and withering of flowers throughout the year Figure 5: A stone pillar with Medusa’s head lying on its side. Have you heard of the legend of Medusa? 🐍 Figure 6: Artwork Installation Do you see the shadow of the Medusa Gorgon on the wall? Figure 7: Teardrop Column, late 4th century 👉🏻More Türkiye travel information ig: mimi_in_turkey 😚 #Turkey #TurkeyTourism #TurkeyFreeTravel #turkeytravel #turkey #turkiye

Istanbul Basilica Cistern - the largest cistern from the Byzantine Empire, just a stonethrow away from the famous Hagia Sofia. Before visiting, recommend you to purchase the ticket online to skip the queue. Inside the cistern is cooling and with the light effect. it illustrates the pillars and the whole area beautifully. I think is nice and should visit at least once. Find the stone carved pillar of Medusa as is one of the highlight of the journey. Recommend to go over the other side to take photos as most of the visitors would start clicking the moment they get down thus lesser crowd on the opposite side. #istanbul #turkey #basilicacistern

Located in Southwest of hagia Sofia, and it is magnificent ancient building. It is underground water reservoir called as “Yerebatan Cistern” because of the underground marble columns. Basilica Cistern is a magical underground place that really is unlike any place! It has all of the medusa vibes! It is a series of tunnels that lead to a street in the middle of the city at the end of it. It is a cave of actual wonder. Every historical artifact found there has a thorough description and you feel a lot more informed whenever you leave this place. One of the many places I would recommend in this amazing city! ⛪️🌟👓 #solstice #urbanexplorer #summervacation #ancientlandmark #ancientarchitecture #summervacation#urbanexplorer

Basilica Cistern, Istanbul - Turkey: This is the famous historical building with underground cistern which is wuite an amazing place with Medusa heads upside down. This as a great experience tgat I have never seen this kind of thing before.

Turkey, Istanbul 🇹🇷🐈 1. Second photo 📍Galata Tower You can climb up this tower! However, taking photos from a distance gives a better view 👀✨. At night, there are fewer people, making it easier to take pictures 🤳. Also, the nearby cafes are always crowded, possibly because they are popular spots. Third photo 📍Basilica Cistern Simply breathtaking!! There was even a Medusa statue! The entrance fee is quite expensive 💰. On a rainy day, I was able to enter without a reservation and without waiting in line 😄. 4th and 5th photos feature mosques, so women should cover their hair and skin ⭐︎. 4th photo 📍Hagia Sophia A must-visit! The blend of Islamic and Christian elements felt truly unique and mysterious. 5th photo 📍Blue Mosque Visiting at night felt like stepping into Aladdin's world! The interior, with its white theme, was charming! Note that you cannot enter during prayer times (which occur five times a day). 6th photo 📍Maiden's Tower Legend has it that a princess was once locked up here 🥲. You can take photos while touring the Bosphorus Strait by boat! The tours are very affordable, so I highly recommend them ✨. I managed to join without prior reservations from Japan, though booking in advance might be better. 7th photo 🍚 Midye Dolma A dish made of stuffed mussels with rice inside! Squeeze some lemon on top before eating. It pairs well with beer 🍺! 8th photo 🐈 Cats are everywhere in the city! You’ll find them literally everywhere! 9th photo 📍Entrance to the Grand Bazaar The interior is like a maze, and you might get lost. If you make eye contact, vendors will try to persuade you 🥹. You don’t have to feel pressured to buy anything here! 10th photo 📍Bridge over the Bosphorus Strait People are fishing everywhere 🎣. There are shops underneath, but they are quite expensive 💰. 11th photo 📍Hafiz Mustafa This is a famous shop for Baklava, a traditional Turkish sweet made with flaky pastry. The pastry is crispy, and even for those who love sweets, it might be a bit too sweet! The price is on the higher side, but I highly recommend trying it here!!! I have more photos, but I’ll stop here for now 😉💭

Located in Istanbul, the capital of Turkey, the Basilica Cistern was constructed during the reign between 527-565 AD. Despite its name, it is not actually a palace but an ancient water reservoir that once provided drinking water for the city's residents. After the introduction of tap water, it fell into obscurity and was later opened to tourists. Walkways have been built inside, allowing visitors to explore this mysterious and stunning underground structure. Enhanced by colorful lighting, the cistern offers a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle, making it a must-visit attraction. Inside, the cool temperature feels like a natural air conditioner, so visitors are advised to bring an extra jacket. Ticket prices can be found in the last photo. 🕰️ Operating Hours: 09:00-18:30 (19:30-22:00 Night Light Show) 📍 Address: Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, Turkey

🗓️Itinerary Scheduling:22.04.25 Day1：Bangkok City Tour :Grand Palace, Prahtunam Market, Siam Paragon Day2: Ayutthaya Temple Day3: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market 🏨 Accommodation : Livable Hotel Bangkok 🍴 Food Recommendations : Papaya Salad, Yamwoon sen, fish, mango with sticky rice 📌 Tips : go to the local restaurant, take a train or BTS traffic in Bangkok is horrible, leave early in the morning when going for tour. Ask concierge for best tours and price. #historicallandmarks #localguides #bangkokfood #bangkoktrip #shorttrip #solotravel #localfood #temple #grandpalacebangkok #ayutthaya #asiatiquetheriverfront

📅 Itinerary - Bosphorus Strait - Zorlu Center - Taksim Square - Galata Tower - Basilica Cistern - Topkapi Palace - Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque - Blue Mosque - Sultanahmet Square 🥣 Food Recommendations - Yigit Sofram : turkish cuisine — every dish is soooo good, especially bread 🍞 sooooo soft and chewy ⭐️⭐️⭐️ you guys must try the local food i really love it!! 💖 🚗 Car Parking - Lighthouse on sea parking

📍 *Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, Turkey 🇹🇷* Built during the Byzantine Empire, the Basilica Cistern was once a vital water source for Constantinople. Stepping into the underground chamber, you’re immediately enveloped in an eerie yet mesmerizing atmosphere— towering stone columns align perfectly, while the dimly lit waters cast ghostly reflections, adding to the sense of mystery. Among the most striking features are the two Medusa heads, placed upside-down at the base of the columns. According to legend, their positioning was meant to neutralize Medusa’s stone-turning curse, blending history with ancient mythology in the most intriguing way. The Basilica Cistern isn’t just a historical site—it’s an immersive journey into the depths of Istanbul’s past, where myth, architecture, and history intertwine seamlessly. #BasilicaCistern #Istanbul #Turkey #AncientMystery #HiddenGems #ByzantineHistory #MedusaLegends

#historicallandmarks #localguides #海岛游

Day 1 Istanbul: Whispers of the Blue Mosque and Underground Palace Morning: Take the first ferry across the Bosphorus Strait. In the morning mist, with Europe on your left and Asia on your right, seagulls chase the wake of Ottoman oil tankers. Morning: Immerse yourself in the Basilica Cistern, searching for the inverted Medusa heads among the 366 Roman columns. Water droplets fall from the vault like rain from 542 AD. Lunch: At a Jewish old house restaurant in the Balat district, try "Testi Kebab" (pot-stewed meat). The waiter uses a scimitar to break the jar, and the steam instantly bursts out, enveloping you in Anatolian spices. Afternoon: Observe the movement of light beams under the dome of the Suleiman Mosque. Stonemasons are repairing the 16th-century Iznik blue tiles, and contemporary coffee stains are mixed in with the debris. Late Night: Fishermen under the Galata Stone Bridge light acetylene lamps, grill mussels (Midye Dolma), drizzle them with lemon juice, and exchange tickets written in seven languages with wandering poets. Day 2 Cappadocia: Cave Churches and Hot Air Balloon Constellations Dawn: Take a hot air balloon through the "Fairy Chimney" stone pillar forest. The pilot suddenly turns off the burner: "Listen, the wind is telling the legend of the meteorites of the Hittite Empire." Morning: Explore the Derinkuyu underground city. In the eight-story vertical cave, the ventilation holes of the 7th-century wine cellar resonate with the heat dissipation frequency of 21st-century Bitcoin mining machines. Lunch: Mutton soup in a pottery pot in a rock manor. The owner opens the floor tiles to reveal a secret passage: "A Jewish jeweler hid here during World War II, and he exchanged sapphires for onions." Afternoon: Look for the fresco "Christ's Guide to Demon Expulsion" in the Göreme Open Air Museum, and pay attention to the code of the Gnostic sect hidden in the cuff of the third angel. Starry Night: Stay in a cave hotel. When observing with a telescope, the owner points to the spiral arm of the Milky Way: "Look, that is the eternal trajectory of the Sufi whirling dance." Day 3 Ephesus: Quantum Entanglement on Marble Streets Morning Light: Take a donkey cart from Selçuk to the ancient city of Ephesus. The stone slabs are engraved with donkey hoof prints from the 10th century BC, creating quantum entanglement with the patterns of your sneakers. Noon: Standing in front of the ruins of the Celsus Library, when the sun shines vertically into the second-floor niche, legend has it that you can hear the sighs of ashes when the Library of Alexandria was burned. Secret Experience: Look for the brothel advertisement "Footprint Test" - if your feet are larger than the ancient relief footprints, you are eligible to enter (contemporary law prohibits this). Dusk: Have a picnic among the remaining pillars of the Temple of Artemis. The base of the seventh pillar is engraved with a love letter from a Byzantine merchant: "To the Moon Goddess: Please turn my silver coins into dewdrops on her eyelashes." Day 4 Pamukkale: Calcified Terraces and the Hierapolis Afterlife Radio Station Sunrise: Step barefoot on the Pamukkale travertine terraces. The secret to the constant water temperature of 37℃ is that a broken Roman aqueduct is still transporting geothermal heat. Archaeological Easter Egg: Dive in the Antique Pool and salvage fragments of marble columns.

#springitinerary Tucked beneath the bustling streets of Istanbul lies a hidden gem that takes you on a journey back in time: Yerebatan Sarnıcı, or the Basilica Cistern. This ancient underground water reservoir, built during the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century, is a mesmerizing experience for anyone visiting Istanbul. As you descend into the cool, dimly lit cistern, you're transported into a world of mystery. The vast underground space — with its 336 marble columns, each standing tall and proud — feels like something out of a dream. The gentle sound of dripping water and the soft glow from the strategically placed lights add an almost mystical atmosphere to this historical treasure. One of the most iconic features of Yerebatan Sarnıcı is the Medusa heads. Two massive stone Medusa heads are tucked away at the base of columns, shrouded in mystery. Their origin and placement remain a topic of intrigue and speculation. Walking through the cistern feels like stepping into a forgotten world. It’s a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city above, offering a unique glimpse into the Byzantine Empire’s engineering marvels. #YerebatanSarnıcı #BasilicaCistern #IstanbulHistory #UndergroundWonder #ByzantineArchitecture #TravelTurkey #IstanbulHiddenGems #HistoricalLandmarks #TravelBlogger

One of Istanbul's most enigmatic attractions—the Basilica Cistern. This underground reservoir, built during the Byzantine Empire, served as a filming location for movies like 'Angels & Demons' and 'Skyfall,' drawing countless visitors eager to explore its mystique. A Cool and Mysterious Underground World Stepping into the Basilica Cistern feels like entering another realm—cool, tranquil, and dimly lit, creating an atmosphere entirely distinct from the outside world. The 336 massive stone columns, sourced from various ancient ruins, are meticulously arranged, exuding grandeur. Each column features unique carvings, as if each one tells its own story. The pool is filled with coins tossed by visitors, turning the cistern into a giant wishing well. The highlight, of course, is the inverted Medusa heads—one upright and one upside down—alongside a lit statue whose shadow on the wall adds to the mysterious ambiance. These three attractions are conveniently located in one area, making it easy to snap photos and check them off your list. Capable of storing nearly 100,000 tons of water, the cistern is surprisingly neither damp nor eerie. While occasional water droplets may fall from the ceiling, the air inside is fresh and not stuffy, and the floor is non-slippery. The entire visit takes about 30 minutes, making it a perfect addition to a half-day itinerary.

FREE TOUR review of Touristanbul ❤️💙 before! This time, I flew with Turkish Airlines to Georgia, so I got to try Touristanbul's free tour service, which is totally free 🥹 for those who have a layover of more than 6 hours! 💸 Everything is free! • Round-trip transportation to and from the airport • Breakfast/lunch (which is fine) • English-speaking guide Overall, it was great, suitable for those who want to travel around Istanbul comfortably and chill while waiting for their connecting flight. Most tours focus on walking on your own. (Airport shuttle only) The guide explained well and met new friends from many countries. The time I went: ✨ Full Day Tour (Thursday) | 08.30 - 18.00 📍 Places to go: • Blue Mosque • Hippodrome: German Fountain, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Walled Obelisk • Ayasofya Mosque (see outside) • Topkapi Palace (tickets cost thousands to buy yourself!) • Lunch • Grand Bazaar (I didn't go to this one, so I'll separate it🥹) Note: Each day's plan for Touristanbul is different, so check first. The plan that I went by myself: • Seven Hills Restaurant: rooftop with a view of Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque, very good angle • Basilica Cistern: book tickets through Klook, skip the line, no need to wait in line at all. But in fact, the line is not long • Spice Bazaar: Lots of spices, snacks, and souvenirs (scarves, good price) • Galata Tower: An old tower with a 360-degree view of Istanbul • Saltbae: din din, stop by the famous shop of Nusret (the owner of the meme) • Viyana Kahvesi Galata: A dessert shop, famous for cheese cake • Return to the airport by Local Taxi 💙How to find the Touristanbul counter: Walk out of the immigration checkpoint, turn right, and walk almost to the end. 📌 Overall, I think it's very good. For anyone who is hesitant or looking for information, try it! Or if you want to ask anything more, feel free to contact me ❤️ Visit: End of October 2024 #TurkeyTravel #Turkey #TurkeyTravelOnYourself #IstanbulTravel #touristanbul #turkishairlines

My 8-day trip to Istanbul was amazing! I explored stunning places like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar. Walking along the Bosphorus and trying delicious Turkish food—like kebabs and baklava—was unforgettable. I also took a ferry to the Asian side and enjoyed the vibrant culture. The city’s mix of history and modern life made every day special. I’d love to go back someday.

#Spring0yentrip ・Hagia Sophia ・Grand Bazaar ・Topkapi Palace ・Basilica Cistern ・Dolmabahçe Istanbul ・Istiklal Street Turkey ・Blue Mosque (free) ・Suleymaniye Mosque ・Sultan Ahmed ・Sirkeci Station ・Galata Tower We mainly visited these spots! First of all, all the Turkish food was really excellent🥹✨The kebabs were especially delicious. Restaurants near tourist spots are expensive, so restaurants a little further away had good taste and prices. You need to wear a scarf to enter the mosque, but there are free scarves available at the entrance, so if you use them, it's no problem! We bought one at the Grand Bazaar as a souvenir. We were able to buy a cheap and cute scarf for about 500 yen🧕♥️ Most of the mosques were free to visit. The exterior and interior were truly impressive. The staff inside sometimes explained things to us. He taught me about Islam! The Basilica Cistern and the Underground Palace were beautiful, but the entrance fee was about 5,000 yen each😭😭 It was very expensive😭 But it was worth seeing! You can use Uber taxis in Istanbul, so I recommend it. The fare is not too expensive.

🗺️Destination Overview 📍Itinerary: 👉Day 1: 🧭Route ✈️Transportation 🏖️Must-Visit Attractions 🥘Food 🏠Accommodation 1.Asmali Hotel 👉Day 2: 🧭Route ✈️Transportation 🏖️Must-Visit Attractions 🥘Food 🏠Accommodation 1.Asmali Hotel 👉Day 3: 🧭Route ✈️Transportation 🏖️Must-Visit Attractions 🥘Food 🏠Accommodation 1.Asmali Hotel 👉Day 4: 🧭Route ✈️Transportation 🏖️Must-Visit Attractions 🥘Food 🏠Accommodation 1.Asmali Hotel 👉Day 5: 🧭Route ✈️Transportation 🏖️Must-Visit Attractions 🥘Food 🏠Accommodation 1.Asmali Hotel 👉Day 6: 🧭Route ✈️Transportation 🏖️Must-Visit Attractions 🥘Food 🏠Accommodation 1.Asmali Hotel 👉Day 7: 🧭Route ✈️Transportation 🏖️Must-Visit Attractions 🥘Food 🏠Accommodation 1.Asmali Hotel 💡Tips:#travel

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 The Basilica Cistern is located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, Turkey, south of the Hagia Sophia. The ancient Basilica Cistern has 336 stone columns and is one of the largest underground reservoirs. During the Byzantine period, it was one of the sources of daily drinking water for the citizens of Istanbul. The museum is one of the most important cultural assets of Istanbul's glorious history. This magnificent underground pool, built by the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I (527-565), has 336 columns, each 9 meters high. The columns are spaced 4.80 meters apart, forming 12 rows, each with 28 columns. Carved from various marbles. It has a water storage capacity of 80,000 tons and an area of ​​approximately 10,000 square meters. It is not difficult to see why these reservoirs are called "palaces" here, because the capitals are really gorgeous and some of them are carved. It is said that these pillars were "recycled" and used here. However, the interior architecture of the Basilica Cistern is very spectacular and beautiful, especially the columns with Medusa as the capitals, which are particularly distinctive and are a historic site well worth visiting. However, it is dark so you need to be careful about your steps and where you step.